Rio Verde, Ecuador; Populations Under Attack By Environmental Conditions (50m Lecture)

Image: www.cornell.edu

Kunbi Adeful, Cornell Institute for Public Affairs

Mr. Dennis Kalson and Dr. Daniel Harper worked with the Seguridad Social Campesino, Esmeraldas, Ecuador in the fall of 2013 conducting a comprehensive assessment of Environmental Health conditions affecting the morbidity and mortality rates of a population living near the Rio Verde river. Morbidity and mortality rates are high due to lack of basic environmental health controls, such as the provision of potable water, vector control, and sanitary latrines. The population is well organized through the work of Seguridad Social Campesinos, an Ecuadorian governmental organization, with a developing infrastructure of health promoters and voluntary citizens groups. Additionally, as a result of our work and that of Dr. Victor Bravo, a physician and public health champion in the area, the local political structure is interested in collaborating to improve conditions and lower the morbidity and mortality in the region. Our presentation contains photographs of the sanitary conditions we observed, the individuals that our championing positive change and sustainability, and provides the opportunity for discussion of, and participation in future implementation of strategic solutions that will save lives now and in the future.
Teaser: Rio Verde, Ecuador; Life, Death, Health and Illness Along The Riverside. Modern health care, but primitive environmental conditions make life a constant struggle.